Special Relief of Distress funding: How to apply

After many changes, the SASSA grant application system for the special Social Relief of Distress (SRD) funding is working!  The SRD grant of R350 per month for 6 months is for people over 18-years-old, who are legally a resident in South Africa and do not have any other form of income.

The best option is WhatsApp:  Create a new phone contact 082 046-8553 and send the message: SRD. You will be asked if you are completing the application for yourself or someone else.  You will need the applicant’s first and last name (as they appear on their ID or other Home Affairs-registered document), an ID number, home address (or you drop a location pin) and cell phone number.

If the WhatsApp line is unavailable or overloaded, try phone this USSD number: *134*7737# and follow the prompts.  Keep trying and don’t give up until you succeed!

If all else fails, send an email to srd@sassa.gov.za but you will have to proof that your email has been received.

You do NOT need to send a copy of your ID, proof of residence or banking details – the payments or vouchers will be sent via phone.

On 15 May more than 3,5 million people have applied within three days of the system going live.

* Also take note that Pensioner and Disability grants will be paid from 3-4 June. This includes child grants linked to these grants.

* All other grants will be paid from 5 June.

* Remember that there is no need to rush to withdraw cash on the first day. Once the money is in the account, it will remain there and can be withdrawn when needed.